ERC-funded Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Schizophrenia Neuroimaging,
Neuroimaging & Cognitive Genomics Center (NICOG), & School of Psychology
National University of Ireland, Galway
Ref. No. NUIG 035-16
Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full-time, 5-year fixed term position as a
Postdoctoral Researcher with the Cognitive Genetics & Cognitive Therapy (CogGene) Group at the
Neuroimaging and Cognitive Genomics Centre (NICOG) and School of Psychology at the National
University of Ireland, Galway. This position is funded by the ERC and is available from 1st September
2016 to project end date.
Professor Gary Donohoe, NUIG Professor of Psychology, Director of NICOG, ERC award holder, is
seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and committed postdoctoral researcher who will help lead a 5 year
programme entitle ‘Immune Response & Social Cognition in Schizophrenia’ (iRELATE) designed
to better understand how recently identified genetic risk variants for schizophrenia may influence
immune function so as to lead to cognitive deficits.
The iRELATE Study
This research program addresses the question: ‘Can deficits in social cognition in schizophrenia be
explained by an abnormal immune response that is caused by genetic risk factors and moderated by
early social environment?’. Based on recent discoveries in schizophrenia genetics, this project asks: (1)
are genetic causes of deficits in social cognition mediated by effects on immune function during
development and (2) does early social environment moderate these effects? The program involves
both a clinical and a pre-clinical component. The clinical component focuses on neuropsychological
and neuroimaging studies of social cognition in patients and healthy adults so as to (1) provide an
innovative characterisation of the effects of inflammatory markers (e.g. pro-/anti- inflammatory
cytokines) on social cognition, (2) establish whether these markers mediate the effects of recently
identified genetic risk loci on schizophrenia, and (3) identify to what extent early social environment
(e.g. parental relationships, childhood trauma) moderates this relationship.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in all aspects of the research programme, working
alongside Professor Donohoe and other key collaborators (including Dr. Derek Morris, Dr. Declan
McKernan, Professor Colm McDonald, & Professor John Kelly). The successful candidate will have
experience in cognitive neuroscience methodologies, with a particular interest in the application of fMRI
methodologies in clinical research. They will contribute to managing the recruitment of patients and
healthy controls for the project, and help with day-today supervision of the research activities of junior
members of the team. The successful applicant will be mentored by Professor Donohoe and is
expected to use this experience to launch a career as a future research leader in this field. With
support and training, the researcher will be encouraged to develop their range of skills and
competencies in a broad range of areas as part of this experience. The successful candidate will join
the NICOG centre & the School of Psychology at a time of significant research growth and
development for both the centre and school. S/He will be based in office facilities in the new School of
Psychology building in the centre of the NUI Galway campus.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Play a lead role in the collection, quality control, and analysis of neuropsychological, structural MRI,
and functional MRI data.
2. Monitor and review study protocols and keep these up to date.
3. Analyse existing sMRI/fMRI and neuropsychological datasets.
4. Operate independently with weekly mentoring as part of a strongly multidisciplinary team.
5. Prepare and present data both at local, national, and international meetings and for publication.
6. Contribute to the on-going teaching commitments of the department at undergraduate and
postgraduate levels, for the purpose of personal career development.
QUALIFICATIONS
Suitable candidates must meet the following criteria:
 PhD in Psychology or Neuroscience
 Some relevant research experience in the area of cognitive neuroscience
 Evidence of publication in peer reviewed journals
 Evidence of the ability to work independently and collaboratively
 Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
 Highly motivated, with excellent organisational skills
It is also desirable that candidates would have experience in some or all of the following areas
 Clinical Research
 Cognitive studies of mental health populations.
 Research in the areas of either genetics, neuroimmunology, or social and affective
neuroscience.
The holder of the post will work under the direct supervision of Professor Donohoe, Principal
Investigator of this project.
Starting salary: €37,750 per annum.
Start date: 1st Sep 2016 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Further information on research and working at NUI Galway is available on Research at NUI Galway
For information on moving to Ireland please see www.euraxess.ie
Further informal enquiries concerning this position may be made by contacting Professor Donohoe,
[email protected]., telephone + 353 (0)91 495122.
To Apply: Applications to include a covering letter, CV, and the contact details of three referees should
be sent, via e-mail (in Microsoft Word or PDF format only) to Professor Gary Donohoe at
[email protected]. Please put NUIG 035-16 in subject line of e-mail application.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Friday 13th May 2016.
National University of Ireland, Galway is an equal opportunities employer.